patina
Americannoun
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a film or incrustation, usually green, produced by oxidation on the surface of old bronze and often esteemed as being of ornamental value.
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a similar film or coloring appearing gradually on some other substance.
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a surface calcification of implements, usually indicating great age.
noun
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a film of oxide formed on the surface of a metal, esp the green oxidation of bronze or copper See also verdigris
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any fine layer on a surface
a patina of frost
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the sheen on a surface that is caused by much handling
noun
Etymology
Origin of patina
1740–50; < Italian: coating < Latin: pan. See paten
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Their entrepreneurial efforts in the U.S. seem to others evidence of the crass opportunism hidden beneath the patina.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
The film’s vintage patina doesn’t detract from rising actor Will Price’s confident performance as an immature mobster who prefers bitcoin to stacks of Benjamins.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026
“Overcleaning can remove patina, soften detail and reduce value — particularly for antique pieces. When in doubt, leave it as is,” said Emily Otranto, lead researcher with M.S.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025
Camara called criticism that she and other candidates were being allowed to run only to give the election a patina of authenticity a "narrow-minded view".
From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025
It was a sow, not a boar, and under a patina of mud it was the pink of a domestic pig, not the brown bristle of a wild one.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
